By Brenda B. Covert1 When someone in a rural community refers to something as being slim pickin's, he means that there is a meager supply or not much to choose from. "I went to the feed store to buy a new hat, but there was slim pickin's, and I came home empty-handed." Why on earth would parents name a child Slim Pickens?2 The late actor known as Slim Pickens was not given that name by his parents, nor was his brother named Easy Pickens by them. Slim Pickens' real name was Louis Bert Lindley, Jr. He was born June 29, 1919. The boys were born and raised on a California ranch.3 The story goes that as a young teenager, Louis wanted to participate in a rodeo. He spoke to the manager.4 "Mister, I want to sign up for the rodeo, but my pa says I ain't allowed to. So I can't use my right name," he said.